A disturbing case is unfolding in South Africa that carries serious consequences not just for Africa, but for the United States and the wider world. Police in South Africa are investigating a scheme that may have tricked young South African men into joining the Russian military and fighting in Ukraine. At the center of the controversy is Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma.
Seventeen South African men, aged 20 to 39, are now reportedly stuck in the dangerous Donbas region of Ukraine, where they were allegedly sent under false promises of high-paying jobs. Instead of becoming bodyguards or security officers as promised, they were handed over to Russian forces and forced into combat. Some of these men are believed to be fighting without proper training, legal paperwork, or even a clear understanding of the war they were dragged into.
This isn’t the first time a scheme like this has come to light. Similar cases have been reported in countries like Cuba, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and India. In each case, young men were lured overseas with promises of legitimate work, only to be forced into military service for Russia. It appears to be part of a broader strategy by Moscow to quietly recruit foreign fighters to support its war in Ukraine, without drawing the attention of the world.
What makes the South African case especially dangerous is the high-level political involvement. Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is a senior official in the left-wing MK Party, which was founded by her father, Jacob Zuma. She is accused of personally recruiting these young men and giving them false assurances. In videos sent to the media, some of the trapped fighters say they trusted her completely. They even signed contracts written in Russian—a language they could not read—because they believed she was going to train with them and face the same risks. But once they landed in Russia, she disappeared, only to reappear safely back in South Africa.
Zuma-Sambudla denies the charges and now claims she too was tricked by others. But this defense is hard to believe given her political background and family history. Her half-sister, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, has publicly accused her of human trafficking and fraud, saying eight of the victims are their own family members. She says she came forward out of “moral obligation.”
This is not the first time the Zuma family has been accused of shady activity. Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is already facing separate charges for encouraging violence during deadly riots in 2021, which left over 350 people dead. And now, new reports suggest her father may have been involved in earlier plans to build a private army by secretly training young South Africans in China back in 2016. Intelligence sources say the goal was to place loyal agents inside South Africa’s military and police forces to prepare for a future coup.
If true, this goes far beyond a local crime. It represents a growing threat to democratic governments in Africa and beyond. Russia appears to be using political allies in weaker countries to quietly build military support. And former leaders like Jacob Zuma, who still hold influence, may be helping them for their own gain.
This matters to the United States for several reasons. First, it shows that Russia is finding new ways to fuel its war in Ukraine, even as it faces international sanctions and pressure. Second, it reveals how U.S. rivals like Russia and China are expanding their influence in Africa—not just with money and propaganda, but with covert military programs. Third, it raises the risk that fragile countries could become launchpads for anti-American activity, either through military partnerships or political instability.
South Africa is one of the most important players on the African continent. If its leaders are involved in schemes like this, it could shift the balance of power in the region. The United States cannot afford to ignore this. We must keep a close eye on how Russia is recruiting fighters and using foreign politicians to expand its reach.
This scandal is not just about one corrupt family. It is part of a global pattern that threatens American security and the freedom of people around the world.